Effects of V279F in the Lp-PLA2 gene on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in Koreans

BackgroundA single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), V279F, in the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) gene is known to influence enzyme activity. It is unclear whether Lp-PLA2 exerts pro- or antiatherogenic effects in humans. We investigated the interplay between V279F, Lp-PLA2 activity, oxidative stress and inflammation.MethodsWe genotyped 2914 healthy Koreans (43–79 years) for the Lp-PLA2 V279F and measured anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, fatty acid composition, lipid peroxides, inflammatory markers and Lp-PLA2 levels.ResultsLp-PLA2 activity was 24% lower in V/F subjects (n = 641) than in those with the V/V genotype (n = 2227). Enzyme activity was undetectable in F/F subjects. Lp-PLA2 activity was positively correlated with LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.134, P < 0.001), ox-LDL (r = 0.064, P < 0.01), 8-epi-PGF2α (r = 0.198, P < 0.001), free fatty acid (r = 0.082, P < 0.001), and fibrinogen (r = 0.112, P < 0.01) levels. Additionally, ox-LDL, 8-epi-PGF2α, free fatty acid, and fibrinogen levels were positively correlated with hs-CRP. V279F was associated with LDL-cholesterol and arachidonic acid (AA) in serum phospholipid. F/F subjects had lower LDL-cholesterol than V/V subjects (V/V: 120.9 ± 0.69, V/F: 119.4 ± 1.26, F/F: 109.2 ± 4.84 mg/dl, P = 0.025). A significant association between the F/F genotype and increasing AA in serum phospholipids was found in subjects with high LDL-cholesterol (≥ 130 mg/dl) (P = 0.003) but not in those with low LDL-cholesterol (< 130 mg/dl). F/F subjects in the high LDL-cholesterol group had CRP concentrations about three times higher than those with V/V or V/F genotypes (V/V: 1.25 ± 0.09, V/F: 0.97 ± 0.12, F/F: 3.20 ± 0.88 mg/dl, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe recessive effects of Lp-PLA2 V279F on LDL-cholesterol and significant correlations between Lp-PLA2 activity and LDL-cholesterol, 8-epi-PGF2α and fibrinogen support a pro-oxidative or pro-atherogenic role for this enzyme. Paradoxically, the combination of the complete deficiency of Lp-PLA2 activity and high LDL-cholesterol enhanced lipid peroxidation and inflammation.